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Thread: I have tried to remain transparent & fair throughout this #COVID19 crisis. As a member of the press, I've tried to communicate daily messages from elected officials & my attempts at getting answers to ? many of you send me. This might appear over-critical to his admin
Today, was no different. Here are the ?s I sent for the Governor to answer. I sent them at 1pm. That's 2 hours before his briefing, and 1 hour before they are required, according to Parson's office.
Many of you noticed, & were concerned, on Saturday that I tweeted Parson said the coronavirus was not airborne. I also mentioned on Twitter, this is why it is *vital* reporters should be given the opportunity to follow up in real time. Here's the clip:
. @MOMedicalAssn responded saying that, while preliminary studies indicate it isn't, we still do not know if it's airborne. Which is why #COVID19 is so concerning; there's so much we don't know. Here's a link to the response: https://twitter.com/MOMedicalAssn/status/1246538387366072321
As you can see in my ?s sent in, I specifically wanted to hear from Gov. Parson & where he got that information. This was the only ? that was (kind of) asked of mine. Parson did touch on enforcement & repercussions.
If you listened in on FB, you've already heard this. But, my question was asked of Dr. Whitt from MU Health care instead. And the question was asked if he "considers COVID19 to be airborne" (not my question) but still *valuable info.* Here's the response:
The technical term behind whether a disease is "airborne" is tricky. You can hear that in Dr. Whitt's answer. But to be clear, I never said the disease was airborne. I pointed out that it has not been ruled out. Here's a tweet: https://twitter.com/DriscollNPR/status/1246536679071965185
"Whether or not the coronavirus can be "airborne" is extremely contentious right now — and it's a question that has real implications for what people should do to avoid getting infected."
Here's a good article breaking it down: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/825639323/scientists-probe-how-coronavirus-might-travel-through-the-air
Here's a good article breaking it down: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/03/825639323/scientists-probe-how-coronavirus-might-travel-through-the-air
It's imperative that science & facts drive our response to this pandemic. Is #COVID19 airborne? Idk. Studies show, probably not, but maybe. CDC says to wear a mask anyway (for many reasons). This is not about "gotcha journalism." This is about clear communication.
Why I tweeted that info? I was worried for thousands of people tuning into the FB live Saturday. It honestly could have been a slip of the tongue? Or maybe there's info I don't know. That's why I want to be at the briefings. I'm very glad it was addressed today.
Parson has preached social distancing for weeks. "Stay home" says Parson, doctors, mayors, me, your mom, etc. BUT I will remain critical when it comes press briefings. We should be speaking w/ our governor in real time. The way we're operating now is not working.
